Family: Rev. Billy Graham health improving

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Eyewitness News spoke with the Rev. Billy Graham's nephew Friday. He told Channel 9 that his uncle has had a couple of good days.

Mel Graham said he spoke with the Rev. Billy Graham's daughter Friday. She told him he was having a good day.

"Overall we are encouraged. He's doing great today. He had a nice breakfast, he sat up in bed and had oatmeal and a banana and his favorite fluffy cat was right there by his side," said the Mel Graham, Rev. Billy Graham's nephew.

Mel Graham said his uncle did become weaker after his birthday party and the message he sent out. He thinks that took a lot out of him and made it a little harder for him to bounce back when he developed an infection.

Mel Graham said he is happy to hear the recent news. He can't wait to visit his uncle again.

"When I saw him a few days ago we had a nice visit, he was a little weaker. But the last few days was considerably stronger then when I saw him, so I look forward to getting up in the next day or two and spending some time with him," said Graham.

Mel Graham said he is grateful for all the support and prayer his family has received. He says when he stops by the Billy Graham Library many stop him to check on his uncle.

Eyewitness News spoke with one of the library visitors and told her the latest update.

"That is great, wonderful," said Nicole Coker, from Thomasville, N.C. "Prayer is a very powerful, strong thing we do. I know the family needs all the prayers right now at this time, and he needs the prayers, too."

Last week, Channel 9 spoke to Franklin Graham at an Operation Christmas Child event. He said then that his father had another bout with a respiratory infection.

Franklin said his father had to be hospitalized just weeks after celebrating his 95th birthday.